Content introduction modal verbs can 11 may 18

Ought to

The modal verb ought to has only one form which is used “with reference to the present of future. In reported speech it remains unchanged. Ought is always followed by the infinitive with to.

Ought to has the following meanings:

1. 
   obligation, which in different contexts may acquire additional shades of meaning, such as advisability and desirability,
   

E.g. You ought to say a word or two about yourself.

Ought she to warn him?

He oughtn’t to mention it to anybody.

“It doesn’t mean you ought to marry a Yankee.” He persisted.(F. Scott Fitzgerald)

In this meaning ought to is possible in all kinds of sentences, though it is felt to be awkward in questions where should is preferred.

Generally ought to refers an action to the future and is followed by the simple infinitive. With reference to the present ought to is used with the continuous infinitive or with the simple infinitive if the verb is stative.

E.g. At your age you ought to be earning your living.

You ought to feel some respect for your elders.

It was getting darker and darker – all those tomb-stones ought to be repainted, sure enough, only that would spoil them, of course. (F. Scott Fitzgerald).

“If you care for him you certainly oughtn’t to belittle yourself in front of him,” said Ailie in a flash, her head high. (F. Scott Fitzgerald)

In combination with the perfect infinitive ought to in the affirmative form shows that a desirable action was no fulfilled.

E.g. You ought to have chosen a more suitable time to tell me this news.

In the negative form ought to in combination with the Perfect Infinitive shows that an undesirable action was fulfilled

E.g. I’m sorry. I ought to have said it.

You oughtn’t to have married her, David. It was a great mistake.

2.